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5 most recognizable voices in American music?

While watching CNNs Larry King interview Johnny Cash a few days ago, I commented to my wife that Johnny Cash probably has one of the five most recognizable voices in American music today. My wife agreed and then asked "Well who are the other four?" After some discussion, we came up with our nominations (in no particular order):

Johnny Cash
Elvis Presley
Ray Charles
Barbra Streisand
Louie Armstrong

This question probably assumes that the singer is quite famous and that their music has been around quite awhile-- or they became really famous really fast. We'd be interested in knowing what other A'Gon members think about these five, or others you would nominate instead for this "top five"? Thanks. Craig
garfish

Showing 3 responses by garfish

garfish OP
1,840 posts
 
I thought this could be be a "generational" thing to some extent-- and my wife and I are pushing the 6th decade. As for the word "today"-- maybe a bad choice-- what I'm trying to get at are the most recognizable singing voices by the general public in America. They could be foreign singers that are popular here.

But even as an old codger, I heartily agree w/Tok2000 that M. Jackson is a strong contender, also Bob Dylan, and how could I forget "Old Blue Eyes" Frank Sinatra. Craig
garfish OP
1,840 posts
 
Hi Scott-- Your post helped better define what I'm trying to get at, ie distinctive, very well known singing voices-- thanks. I think it's easy to tell that you and I are from the same generation. I'm enjoying seeing others opinions on this, especially those singers that we didn't think of.

Ken-- Yep, the 5s are great and I'll have them forever. If you had to sell the 3As, I'm glad they went to a good home. Willie Nelson certainly has one of those very recognizable and widely known voices.

I also agree with Bing Crosby. I wanted to list Emmylou Harris, but my wife held out for Barbra Streisand. Dolly Parton has another one of those really distinctive and very well known voices. Cheers. Craig
garfish OP
1,840 posts
 
Per all the above excellent suggestions, I would delete "Babs" and Ray Charles from my top 5 list list and add Bob Dylan and Michael Jackson. To expand the list to top 10, I'd still include B. Streisand and Ray Charles and add Sinatra, Willie Nelson, and Nat King Cole. Thanks. Craig
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